Politeness in Japanese

要旨

Abstract Politeness in Japanese is characterized by two aspects: the first is the linguistic aspect of modal expressions, and the second is the use aspect of wakimae. The kernel parts of modal expressions are honorifics. The use of honorifics is inherently dependent on the speakers’ discernment and sentiment about the contextual elements of the speech event. The use of linguistic politeness according to one’s discernment and sentiment about the contextual elements is known as wakimae. To behave according to wakimae is to show verbally and nonverbally one’s sense of what is expected in a given situation. In society, an individual is expected to behave according to the sense of wakimae, which is often perceived on the basis of the delicate status and/or role differences of the speaker, the addressee, and the referent. These are considered basic to keeping communication smooth. Thus, to observe wakimae by means of choices of honorifics and other modal expressions is an integral part of linguistic politeness in Japanese. The wakimae aspect of language use is actually much more complex than has been described. The choice of modal expressions including honorifics seems to be made automatically according to the given situation that changes from moment to moment. To explain the mechanism of this phenomenon, the theory of ba (field) is introduced. The theory of ba assumes an inside perspective, and dual mode thinking. Using these assumptions of ba theory, it will be explained how and why the use and nonuse of addressee honorifics are practiced under the same situation of speaking.

主題